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Guide to National Preparedness Month: Day #2
September is National Preparedness Month, and at The Woodsrunner School, we’re dedicated to helping you and your family stay safe during emergencies. From natural disasters to unexpected crises, the importance of preparedness can’t be overstated. On Day #2 of our preparedness guide, we’re focusing on one of the most vital steps you can take to safeguard your family: Building a 72-Hour Emergency Kit.
When disaster strikes, the first 72 hours are often the most critical. During this time, essential services like water, electricity, and emergency responders may be inaccessible. A well-prepared emergency kit can ensure your survival and comfort during these crucial hours.
Why Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Power outages, closed stores, overwhelmed first responders—these are just a few of the challenges you may face. That’s why it's important to have a 72-hour emergency kit stocked with basic supplies like food, water, and essential gear. While the basics of an emergency kit are similar for everyone, each family’s kit should be customized to meet their specific needs and the unique environment they live in.
Being prepared means being able to act swiftly and confidently, knowing you have the resources to keep your family safe and comfortable until help arrives or the situation stabilizes.
Basic Emergency Kit Checklist
A comprehensive 72-hour emergency kit will help you weather the storm, so to speak. Here are the essential items to include in your emergency supplies:
Water: Store 2 gallons per person per day for at least three days, covering both drinking, hygiene, and sanitation needs. Remember to account for pets as well.
Food: Stock a several-day supply of non-perishable food items like canned goods, freeze-dried meals, or high-energy bars.
Emergency Radio (Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank): Preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alerts, this ensures you can receive critical emergency updates and weather warnings.
Flashlights, Emergency Candles, and Lanterns: A reliable source of light is essential if the power goes out. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Whistle: A whistle is a simple yet essential tool for signaling for help in situations where you may be trapped or need to alert rescuers to your location. Remember the international Code for Distress “3” Blasts.
First Aid Kit: This should include a Trauma Kit, bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications your family may need.
Dust Mask- N95: Helps filter contaminated air, especially during events like wildfires or chemical spills.
Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: Essential for personal sanitation when running water may be unavailable.
Hand Tools: These can help you turn off utilities like gas and water in the event of an emergency.
6 Mil Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape: For sheltering in place, use these items to seal off rooms and protect against chemical or airborne hazards.
Manual Can Opener: Don’t forget this crucial tool if you’ve packed canned food as part of your non-perishable food supply.
Cell Phone with Chargers and Backup Battery: Keeping communication open is critical. Consider a solar charger or power bank to ensure your phone stays operational.
Local Maps: In the event of an evacuation, you may need to navigate through unfamiliar areas without GPS.
Additional Supplies Based on Individual Needs
No two households are alike, so it’s important to consider any additional supplies based on your family’s unique situation. Here are a few suggestions:
Infant Care Supplies: If you have a baby, don’t forget infant formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
Pet Care: Include enough pet food and extra water for your furry family members.
Personal Hygiene: Feminine supplies, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes are crucial to maintaining hygiene.
Prescription Medications: Have a several-day supply of medications, as pharmacies may be closed.
Non-Prescription Medications: Stock pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, antacids, and laxatives.
Important Documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records in a waterproof container. A digital backup is also a good idea.
Cash: In case of power outages, ATMs and card readers may be out of service, making cash essential.
Sturdy Shoes and Clothing: Make sure to pack climate-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes that will allow for safe travel on rugged terrain.
Fire Extinguisher: Useful for containing small fires.
Blankets or Sleeping Bags: Ensure each family member has something warm to sleep in, particularly in cold climates.
Entertainment for Children: Books, games, or puzzles can help ease anxiety and keep children occupied during emergencies.
Customizing Your Kit for Your Location
Where you live plays a big role in what you should pack in your 72-hour emergency kit. Consider adding location-specific items:
Urban Areas: You may need extra protective gear, such as gas masks or advanced first aid supplies, given the potential for debris or compromised air quality.
Rural Areas: If you live in a remote area, you might need extra tools for self-sufficiency, like a chain-saw, multi-tool, or additional fuel sources.
Coastal Areas: In flood-prone regions, consider waterproof containers and life jackets.
Storing Your Emergency Kit
Emergencies can strike at any time, whether you’re at home, work, or on the road. That’s why it’s important to have kits stored in various locations:
Home: Keep your kit in a designated spot that’s easy to access in case of a sudden evacuation. Make sure all family members know where it’s located.
Work: Keep a smaller emergency kit at work, including food, water, and necessary medications. You should have enough supplies to last at least 24 hours, plus comfortable boots.
Car: In case you’re stranded on the road, keep a grab-and-go kit in your vehicle with essentials like food, fire kit, sleeping bag or blanket, water, and a first aid kit.
Maintaining Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Once you’ve assembled your emergency kit, it’s important to regularly maintain it to ensure it’s ready when you need it most. Here's how to keep your kit in top shape:
Store food: in a cool, dry place, and keep it tightly sealed to avoid pests.
Check Expiration Dates: on all food, water, and medications, and replace them as needed.
Update Kit Annually: As your family’s needs change (e.g., new pets, babies, or moving to a different area), reassess what supplies need to be added or replaced.
Final Thoughts
Building a 72-hour emergency kit is an essential step toward ensuring your family’s safety in a crisis. It’s about being proactive, customizing your supplies, and staying prepared for any situation that may arise. Emergencies are unpredictable, but with the right kit, you’ll be ready to weather the storm and ensure your family’s well-being.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—start building your kit today! Follow our National Preparedness Month guide throughout September for more survival tips and stay ahead of the unexpected.
Stay tuned to The Woodsrunner School for more expert advice on survival, preparedness, and self-reliance.
Stay ready, stay safe.
If you find our information helpful, show your support by sharing our content. Your actions could help someone in need someday.
Joshua Barnes
Founder & Director of Operations
Woodsrunner School, LLC
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